Leicester are preparing to call on Manu Tuilagi's services for Sunday's game against Newcastle.

Tuilagi has been out of action since September 21 with a torn pectoral muscle but Richard Cockerill has confirmed he will have a role to play in the weekend's match.

"He has been training well and is champing at the bit after only playing one game this season," Cockerill told the Leicester Mercury. "Manu will play some part in the game and I am sure he will get some time under his belt. Hopefully, it will be a successful return. We will just see how he goes in training now. He may start but he will certainly be in the 23.

"Manu has been training hard. The one good thing with his injury is it was not a knee or a hamstring, so he has been able to do all of the running and keep himself fit. We will have to see how he is confidence-wise later in the week."

England coach Stuart Lancaster is likely to be keeping a close eye on proceedings but he has played down any chance of Tuilagi making an immediate return to Test rugby. Lancaster said: "It would be a very big step having not played for so long, but never say never."